Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom is disappointed after Rangers ‘blew everyone out the water’ before signing former Derby County ace Tom Lawrence on a free transfer, speaking to Yorkshire Live.
As Heckingbottom himself points out, the difference in pulling power between the Blades and the Gers should not be underestimated.
After all, the Glasgow giants can not only offer the prospect of silverware, they can also put European football on the table.
Lawrence has never before stepped foot onto the continental stage. That will soon change, however, with the Wales international putting pen to paper last week.
Sheffield United were, at one stage, confident that Lawrence would end up at Bramall Lane instead. The former Manchester United youngster held a series of talks with Heckingbottom and was seemingly intrigued by what the Yorkshire giants had to offer.
That was, of course, until Rangers threw their hat into the ring.
Rangers beat Sheffield United to Tom Lawrence signing
“A team who got to the Europa Cup final last year, things like that, it’s going to be a big pull,” Heckingbottom sighs. “Obviously, big pay is a big pull. Different football. It’s one of those things.
“You can’t get them all. Would I have liked him? Yeah. But we didn’t manage to get him. If Rangers hadn’t have come in and blown everyone out of the water, I would have backed us to get him.”
Lawrence arrives at Ibrox following the departure of Joe Aribo to Southampton. And while not quite as dynamic or skilful as the now-Southampton forward, what Lawrence does provide is a regular source of goals from midfield. He scored nine times last season; A more than impressive tally when you consider Derby’s difficulties both on and off the pitch.
“I am really pleased we have been able to secure the signing of Tom and he will further add to our attacking options,” says Rangers coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
“He has gained valuable experience over a number of years with Derby County and I look forward to working with him this season.”
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